Method of installing a server rack in a data center

ABSTRACT

A server rack seismic restraint includes a rear restraint assembly configured to attach to a support surface that is operable to support a data center server rack. The rear restraint assembly includes at least one lateral member positioned to receive the server rack and restrain the server rack against lateral movement based on a force applied to the server rack; and an angled bracket positioned to receive the server rack and restrain the server rack against vertical movement based on the force applied to the server rack. The server rack seismic restraint also includes a front restraint assembly configured to attach to the support surface and engage the server rack to restrain the server rack against vertical movement based on the force applied to the server rack.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of, and claims priority under 35U.S.C. § 120 to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/853,561, filed onSep. 14, 2015, the entire contents of which are incorporated byreference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This document relates to systems and methods for restraining data centerequipment, such as computer server racks and related equipment incomputer data centers.

BACKGROUND

Computer data center equipment often must withstand external forces,such as seismic forces and otherwise. Often, restraining computer datacenter equipment, such as server racks, against seismic events requiressubstantial high strength brackets arranged with an optimal geometry. Asthe equipment rack weight and center of gravity height increases, somust the bracket strength requirement. Conventional restraint systems,therefore, may utilize a structure that is at least as tall as theserver rack, thereby increasing costs and decreasing space availabilitywhich could otherwise be used for more racks. In addition, data centerserver racks may be mobile, thereby increasing the challenge ofrestraining the racks during a seismic event.

SUMMARY

In an example implementation, a server rack seismic restraint includes arear restraint assembly configured to attach to a support surface thatis operable to support a data center server rack. The rear restraintassembly includes at least one lateral member positioned to receive theserver rack and restrain the server rack against lateral movement basedon a force applied to the server rack; and an angled bracket positionedto receive the server rack and restrain the server rack against verticalmovement based on the force applied to the server rack. The server rackseismic restraint also includes a front restraint assembly configured toattach to the support surface and engage the server rack to restrain theserver rack against vertical movement based on the force applied to theserver rack.

In a first aspect combinable with the example implementation, the angledbracket is positioned to interface with the rear portion of the serverrack to restrain the server rack against rotational movement based onthe force applied to the server rack.

In a second aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the rearrestraint assembly further includes a rear bracket attachable to thesupport surface.

In a third aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the atleast one lateral member includes two lateral members coupled with therear restraint assembly at a distance apart to receive a width of theserver rack.

In a fourth aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, each ofthe lateral members includes a protrusion that extends from the rearrestraint assembly to engage either a mating bracket attached to therack or a side portion of the server rack.

In a fifth aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, each ofthe lateral members is independently attachable to the rear restraintassembly at a plurality of unique positions.

In a sixth aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the frontrestraint assembly includes an anchor channel embeddable in the supportsurface.

In a seventh aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, thesupport surface includes a concrete slab.

In an eighth aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, thefront restraint assembly further includes a front bracket coupled to theanchor channel; and one or more shim plates coupled to the front bracketand adjustable to flush mount against a portion of the server rack torestrain the server rack against vertical movement and rotationalmovement based on the force applied to the server rack.

In a ninth aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, each ofthe rear restraint assembly and front restraint assembly is detachedfrom the server rack.

In a tenth aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the forceincludes a seismic force.

In another example implementation, a method of installing a server rackin a data center includes moving a server rack adjacent a rear restraintassembly that is attached to a support surface of a data center thatsupports the server rack; adjusting a position of a back side of theserver rack into one of a plurality of unique positions along the rearrestraint assembly so that the server rack is positioned between lateralmembers coupled to the rear restraint assembly that extend beyond therear restraint assembly on sides of the server rack; positioning a rearportion of the server rack vertically underneath an angled bracket ofthe rear restraint assembly; and positioning a front restraint assembly,coupled to the support surface, vertically above a front portion of theserver rack.

A first aspect combinable with the example implementation furtherincludes receiving a force on the server rack; restraining the serverrack against vertical movement caused by the force with the angledbracket and the front restraint assembly; and restraining the serverrack against lateral movement caused by the force with the lateralmembers.

A second aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects furtherincludes restraining the server rack against rotational movement causedby the force with the angled bracket and the front restraint assembly.

A third aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects furtherincludes installing the front restraint assembly to the support surfaceadjacent a front side of the server rack.

In a fourth aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects,installing the front restraint assembly to the support surface includesattaching an anchor channel of the front restraint assembly to thesupport surface; positioning a front side of the server rack laterallyadjacent the anchor channel; coupling a front bracket of the frontrestraint assembly to the anchor channel; attaching at least one shimplate to the front bracket; and adjusting the shim plate flush againstthe front portion of the server rack.

In a fifth aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, attachingan anchor channel of the front restraint assembly to the support surfaceincludes embedding the anchor channel in the support surface.

A sixth aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects furtherincludes attaching each of the lateral members to a rear bracket of therear restraint assembly independently of other lateral members.

In a seventh aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, each ofthe rear restraint assembly and front restraint assembly is detachedfrom the server rack when positioned.

In an eighth aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, movinga server rack adjacent a rear restraint assembly includes moving theserver rack into a specified position adjacent the rear restraintassembly without visual inspection of the specified position.

In a ninth aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, thespecified position includes a space defined between the lateral members.

In another example implementation, a server rack system includes a firstrestraint assembly attachable to a data center floor, the firstrestraint assembly configured to interface with a first side of aplurality of data center server racks exclusive of contact with theserver racks; and a second restraint assembly attachable to the datacenter floor, the second restraint assembly configured to interface witha second side of the plurality of data center server racks exclusive ofcontact with the server racks. The first and second restraint assembliescontactingly engage the plurality of server racks, in response to anatural force applied to the plurality of server racks, to restrainvertical and lateral movement of server racks due to the natural force.

In a first aspect combinable with the example implementation, thenatural force includes a seismic force.

In a second aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, thefirst restraint assembly includes a plurality of server rack positions,each server rack position defined by one or more lateral restraintspositioned on the first restraint assembly to receive a particularserver rack of the plurality of server racks.

In a third aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, theplurality of server rack positions are independently adjustable alongthe first restraint assembly.

In a fourth aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the twolateral restraints include guides to receive and position the particularserver rack in a particular server rack position.

Various implementations of a data center server rack restraint mayinclude one, some, or all of the following features. For example, aserver rack restraint may allow a server rack to be restrained within arow of racks at any particular location within the row. As anotherexample, the server rack restraint may allow for “blindly” positioningand coupling of a server rack to a rear anchor assembly, e.g., with norequirement for installer access to the rear anchor assembly. As anotherexample, the server rack may be decoupled from the server rack restraintefficiently, e.g., without access to a rear anchor assembly. Further,the seismic restraint system may laterally and vertically restrainmovement of a server rack during a seismic event or other event thatexerts one or more forces or moments on the server rack. As yet anotherexample, the server rack restraint may allow for a maximization ofutilization of data center space by allowing “rack-to-rack” placement ofmultiple racks within a row.

The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanyingdrawings and the description below. Other features, objects, andadvantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and fromthe claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a server rack system used in a datacenter environment that includes front and rear restraint assemblies.

FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate schematic views of a front restraint assembly fora server rack.

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate schematic views of a rear restraint assembly fora server rack.

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic top view of a data center environmentthat includes multiple server rack systems.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart for a method for restraining a serverrack in a data center.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a server rack system 10 used in a datacenter environment that includes a front restraint assembly 200 and arear restraint assembly 300. As shown in FIG. 1, the system 10 includesa server rack 100 positioned on a support surface 102 and restrainedfrom movement (e.g., vertical, lateral, rotational, and otherwise) inresponse to, for example, seismic forces or other external forces thatmay act upon the server rack 100.

The server rack 100, e.g., a 13 inch or 19 inch server rack, includesmultiple server rack sub-assemblies 110 mounted within a housing 105 ofthe server rack 100. Although a single server rack 100 is illustrated,server rack 100 may be one of a number of server racks within the system100, which may include a server farm or a co-location facility thatcontains various rack mounted computer systems. Also, although multipleserver rack sub-assemblies 110 are illustrated as mounted within theserver rack 100, there might be only a single server rack sub-assembly.Generally, the server rack 100 defines multiple slots 107 that arearranged in an orderly and repeating fashion within the server rack 100,and each slot 107 is a space in the rack into which a correspondingserver rack sub-assembly 110 can be placed and removed. For example, theserver rack sub-assembly can be supported on rails 112 that project fromopposite sides of the server rack 100, and which can define the positionof the slots 107.

The slots 107, and the server rack sub-assemblies 110, can be orientedwith the illustrated horizontal arrangement (with respect to gravity).Alternatively, the slots 107, and the server rack sub-assemblies 110,can be oriented vertically (with respect to gravity), although thiswould require some reconfiguration of the evaporator and condenserstructures described below. Where the slots are oriented horizontally,they may be stacked vertically in the server rack 100, and where theslots are oriented vertically, they may be stacked horizontally in theserver rack 100.

Server rack 100, as part of a larger data center for instance, mayprovide data processing and storage capacity. In operation, a datacenter may be connected to a network, and may receive and respond tovarious requests from the network to retrieve, process, and/or storedata. In operation, for example, the server rack 100 typicallyfacilitates the communication of information over a network with userinterfaces generated by web browser applications of users who requestservices provided by applications running on computers in thedatacenter. For example, the server rack 100 may provide or help providea user who is using a web browser to access web sites on the Internet orthe World Wide Web.

The server rack sub-assembly 110 may be one of a variety of structuresthat can be mounted in the server rack 100. For example, in someimplementations, the server rack sub-assembly 110 may be a “tray” ortray assembly that can be slidably inserted into the server rack 100.The term “tray” is not limited to any particular arrangement, butinstead applies to motherboard or other relatively flat structuresappurtenant to a motherboard for supporting the motherboard in positionin a rack structure. In some implementations, the server racksub-assembly 110 may be a server chassis, or server container (e.g.,server box). In some implementations, the server rack sub-assembly 110may be a hard drive cage.

The illustrated server rack 100 includes one or more rollers 115 coupledto the server rack 100 (e.g., to a housing 105 of the server rack 100)thus allowing for mobility of the rack 100. The rollers 115 may bewheels, casters, or otherwise that facilitates movement of the rack 100across the support surface 102. The rollers 115, for example, mayfacilitate movement of the server rack 100 into position to engage therear restraint assembly 300.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, a rack bracket 120 may be coupled to thehousing 105. Although a single rack bracket 120 is shown in FIG. 1, twoor more rack brackets 120 may be attached to, as shown, a lower portionof the housing 105 near a bottom surface of the rack 100. For instance,rack brackets 120 may be attached to a rear portion of the housing 105close to or at sides of the rack 105. Each rack bracket 120, in someimplementations, may be or may approximate an “L-shaped” structuralmember, such as shown in FIG. 3A. Alternatively, the rack bracket 120may be any form of structural member that projects from the housing 105of the server rack 100 to engage at least a portion of the rearrestraint assembly 300.

The server rack 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 also includes a back stop 125that is coupled to the housing 105 of the server rack 100. As shown inthis figure, the back stop 125 is angled relative to vertical sides ofthe housing 105, thereby extending away from the vertical sides of thehousing 105. In some implementations, the back stop 125 may extend alonga width of the rear side of the housing 105. In some implementations,the back stop 125 may be positioned vertically under the rack bracket120. For instance, in some implementations, the back stop 125 may becoupled with, or formed integrally with, the rack bracket 120 (e.g., asshown in FIG. 3A).

As further illustrated in the example implementation of FIG. 1, theserver rack 100 includes a front edge 130 that extends from the lowerportion of the housing 105. As illustrated, the front restraint assembly200 is positioned so that a portion of the assembly 200 covers at leasta portion of the front edge 130.

In this example implementation, the front and rear restraint assemblies200 and 300 may restrain (e.g., prevent or substantially prevent)movement of the server rack 100 in response to a force or torquedirected to the rack 100 (e.g., by a seismic event or otherwise). Forexample, the front restraint assembly 200 may restrain the server rack100 from vertical movement (e.g., relative to the support surface 102)in the case of a seismic event. As another example, the front restraintassembly 200 may restrain the server rack 100 from rotational movementin the case of a seismic event. Also, the rear restraint assembly 300may restrain the server rack 100 from vertical movement (e.g., relativeto the support surface 102) and rotational movement in the case of aseismic event. The rear restraint assembly 300 may restrain the serverrack 100 from lateral movement, as well, in the case of a seismic event.

FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate schematic views of the front restraint assembly200 for a server rack. As described previously, the front restraintassembly 200 may be positioned to restrain vertical movement, rotationalmovement, or both of a server rack in a data center environment inresponse to, for instance, a seismic event. As illustrated in theisometric view of FIG. 2A, the front restraint assembly 200 includes afront bracket 205 that, in this implementation is formed of a z-memberstructure that includes a sidewall 215, a bottom member 220, and topwings 210.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the bottom member 220 may rest on support surface102 and be fastened (e.g., with fasteners 235, which can be bolt/nutassemblies, screws, rivets, or otherwise) to an anchor channel 240 thatis illustrated in FIGS. 2B and 2D. The anchor channel 240 may be atleast partially embedded in the support surface 102 prior toinstallation of the bottom member 220 over the fasteners 235. Forexample, the support surface 102 may be a concrete or other poured slabsurface (e.g., gypsum or otherwise). During installation of the supportsurface 102, the anchor channel 240 may be positioned in the liquid orsemi-solid material that hardens into the support surface 102. Asanother example, the support surface 102 may be a raised floor, onto abottom surface of which the anchor channel 240 may be attached. As thebottom member 220 is positioned over the fasteners 235 and rigidlycoupled to the anchor channel 240, forces applied to the front bracket205 (e.g., from a server rack due to a seismic event) may be borne bythe support surface 102, as well as the front restraint assembly 200.

As further illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2C, the front restraint assembly200 includes a shim plate 225 that is vertically positioned under eachof the top wings 210. The shim plates 225 can be placed into contactwith a portion of a server rack (e.g., the front edge 130 of the serverrack 100) and attached to the top wings 210 with fasteners 230 (bolt/nutassemblies, screws, rivets, or otherwise). Once installed in contactwith the portion of the server rack 100, the shim plates 225 may ensureor help ensure a flush contact between the front bracket 205 and theserver rack.

Turning to FIG. 2C in particular, when the shim plates 225 are installedflush against the server rack 100, vertical movement of the rack 100caused by, for example, seismic forces, is constrained by contactinginterference between the plates 225 and rack 100 (e.g., front edge 130).For example, the shim plates 225 may restrain the server rack 100 fromvertical and rotational movement (e.g., counterclockwise in FIG. 2C) bypreventing (e.g., fully or substantially) the front edge 130 from movingupward (e.g., away from support surface 102) or rotatingcounterclockwise as forces are applied to the server rack 100.

As further illustrated in FIG. 2A, fasteners 245 (bolt/nut assemblies,screws, rivets, or otherwise) may be inserted through the sidewall 215of the front bracket 205 to couple to a portion of the server rack, suchas, for example, the front edge 130 of the rack 100. In some aspects,for instance, coupling of the sidewall 215 to the server rack with thefasteners 245 may be performed subsequent to tightening the shim plates225 onto the front edge 130 of the server rack 100.

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate schematic views of the rear restraint assembly300 for a server rack, such as the server rack 100. As describedpreviously, the rear restraint assembly 300 may be positioned torestrain vertical movement, rotational movement, lateral movement or acombination thereof of a server rack in a data center environment inresponse to, for instance, a seismic event. As illustrated in FIGS.3A-3B, the rear restraint assembly 300 includes a rear bracket 305 thatextends a length of the rear restraint assembly 330 and is shaped toinclude a bottom portion 307, an angled portion 310, and a side portion309 that extends vertically from the angled portion 310. In someinstances, the rear bracket 305 may be integrally formed with a singlestructural member, formed (e.g., on a metal brake or otherwise). Inalternative aspects, the rear bracket 305 may be formed from two or morestructural components, fastened (e.g., by screw, bolt, rivet, adhesive,or otherwise) together to form the rear bracket 305.

With further reference to FIGS. 3A-3B, the rear restraint assembly 300further includes a rear channel 325 that couples (e.g., with a fastener,adhesive, or otherwise) with the rear bracket 305 to form the structuralmember of the rear restraint assembly 300. As illustrated, the rearchannel 325 includes one or more apertures 330 through which the rearrestraint assembly 300 may be coupled by fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws,or otherwise, not shown here) to, for example, the support surface 102or a channel embedded in the support surface 102. For example, althoughnot pictured in FIGS. 3A-3B, an anchor channel (similar to channel 240)may be embedded in the support surface 102, and the rear restraintassembly 300 may be coupled (e.g., through the apertures 330 in the rearchannel 325) with the anchor channel. In alternative implementations,the rear restraint assembly 300 may be coupled (e.g., through theapertures 330 in the rear channel 325) directly to the support surface102 (e.g., as a poured slab, raised floor, or otherwise). For example,the rear restraint assembly 300 may be secured directly to the supportsurface 102 through a fastener (e.g., bolt, screw, rivet or otherwise)through the bottom portion 307 of the rear bracket 305.

In the example implementation shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, the rear restraintassembly 300 includes lug plates 315 that include lug holes 320. In someaspects, the lug plates 315 may be formed (integrally) with an end cap321 positioned at ends of the rear channel 325 and rear bracket 305. Thelug holes 320 may be used, e.g., to lift or move the rear restraintassembly 300 (e.g., manually or mechanically).

With reference to FIGS. 3A and 3C, the implementation of the rearrestraint assembly 300 includes one or more (in this example, two)lateral plates 335 that are coupled to a top surface of the reachchannel 325 with fasteners 340 (e.g., bolts, screws, rivets, orotherwise). The lateral plates 335 may be attached to the top surface ofthe rear channel 325 (or in some cases, may be formed integrally withthe rear channel 325). Further, each lateral plate 335 may be coupled tothe top surface at any of multiple discrete locations (e.g., at ½″, ¼″,1″ increments or any suitable incremental distance) along the reachchannel 325. As illustrated, each lateral plate 335 includes a lateralnub 345 that extends from the plate 335 and past an area defined by thetop surface of the reach channel 325.

With reference to FIG. 3A particularly, the lateral nub 345 isillustrated in contacting engagement with the rack bracket 120 of theserver rack 100. In particular, in the example implementation, thelateral plates 335 may be coupled to the reach channel 325 such that thelateral nubs 345 are positioned apart a distance less than a distancebetween the rack brackets 120. Thus, as the server rack 100 may bepositioned against the rear restraint assembly 300, the rack brackets120 are positioned just adjacent the lateral nubs 345.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the back stop 125 portion of the rack bracket 125is angled to match (e.g., exactly or substantially) the angled portion310 of the rear bracket 305. Thus, the angled portion 310 and back stop125 may provide mating surfaces that contactingly engage (e.g., surfaceto surface) when the server rack 100 is moved into a position againstthe rear restraint assembly 300. In some aspects, interference betweenthe angled portion 310 and the back stop 125 may constrain the serverrack 100 against movement caused by, for example, seismic forces. Forexample, the angled portion 310 may restrain the server rack 100 fromvertical movement by engaging the back stop 125 when upward (e.g., awayfrom support surface 102) forces are applied to the server rack 100. Inaddition, interference between the angled portion 310 and the back stop125 may constrain the server rack 100 against rotational movement causedby, for example, seismic forces. For example, the angled portion 310 mayrestrain the server rack 100 from rotational movement (e.g., clockwisein FIG. 3B) by engaging the back stop 125 when upward (e.g., away fromsupport surface 102) forces are applied to the server rack 100.

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic top view of a data center environment 400that includes multiple server rack systems 300. As shown in this figure,a row of server racks 100 is positioned between a cold aisle 405 and awarm aisle 410. The cold and warm aisles 405 and 410, respectively, arepart of a human occupiable workspace of the data center environment,which may include power and communication equipment, as well as coolingequipment to cool heat-generating devices supported in the server racks100. Generally, a cooling airflow 415 may be circulated (e.g., fromcooling equipment in the data center environment 400) from the coldaisle 405 and through a front side of the server racks 100. As thecooling airflow 415 passes through the server racks 100, heat istransferred from the heat-generating devices to the cooling airflow 415,which exits a back side of the server racks 100. A warm airflow 420exits into the warm aisle 410 (e.g., a warm air plenum). The warmairflow 420 is circulated back to the cooling equipment.

In this example implementation, the rear restraint assembly 300 ispositioned between the warm aisle 410 and the server racks 100. In someaspects, the rear restraint assembly 300 may extend along the row ofserver racks 100 as a single, integrated component (e.g., with a singlerear channel 325 and single rear bracket 305). Alternatively, there maybe a multi-section rear restraint assembly 300 with, for example,multiple rear channels 325 and multiple rear brackets 305 formed (e.g.,as shown in FIGS. 3A-3C) and positioned adjacently end-to-end.

Multiple lateral plates 335 (e.g., two per rack 100) may be positionedalong the rear restraint assembly 300 as shown in FIG. 4. For example,depending on the intervals at which mounting holes 337 (shown in FIG.3C) are placed on the rear channel(s) 325 in the rear restraint assembly300, the lateral plates 335 may be mounted at multiple locations. Byfacilitating the mounting of the lateral plates 335 at multiplelocations, the server racks 100 may be positioned along the rearrestraint assembly 300 at multiple, adjustable locations as well. Thus,the server racks 100 may be positioned or moved to positions in which,for example, they may receive more cooling airflow 415, less coolingairflow 415, additional power, or otherwise. The positioning of theserver racks 100 may therefore be independent of criteria such as, forexample, an availability of specific rear anchor features, power supplylocations, cooling equipment locations, positions of other server racks100, data center building structure (e.g., columns), position or size ofthe warm air plenum or aisle 410, or otherwise.

As shown in FIG. 4, there may be multiple server racks 100 positionedsubstantially side-by-side (e.g., with minimal clearance between theracks 100). For example, the server racks 100 may be positionedside-by-side to achieve a high density of computing power, provided thatsufficient cooling airflow 415 is available to cool the racks 100. Inalternative examples, greater space may be provided between server racks100 (e.g., as shown with a gap between racks 100 in FIG. 4) due to, forexample, power or cooling requirements or deficiencies.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, front restraint assemblies 200 may bepositioned at front sides of the server racks 100 to restrain the serverracks as previously described. In some aspects, the front restraintassemblies 200 may be positioned and secured (e.g., to the supportsurface 102) to restrain movement of the server racks 100 (e.g., due toa seismic event). In this example, there is a one-to-one correspondencebetween front restraint assemblies 200 and server racks 100. In otherexample implementations, there may be more or fewer server racks 100relative to front restraint assemblies 200.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart for a method 500 for restraining a serverrack in a data center. In some aspects, method 500 may be performed byor with the server rack 100, front restraint assembly 200, and rearrestraint assembly 300 shown in FIGS. 1, 2A-2D, and 3A-3C. Method 500may begin at step 502, which includes moving a server rack adjacent arear restraint assembly attached to a support surface of a data center.In some aspects, moving the server rack includes moving the rack into aparticular or specific position adjacent the rear restraint assembly,such as a space defined between lateral members of the rear restraintassembly. In some aspects, the lateral members may guide or help guidethe server rack into the space, e.g., without any human visualization ofthe space. The lateral members may define the space and may beindependently adjustable along the rear restraint assembly to definedifferent spaces (e.g., different width spaces, different locations ofthe spaces, or both).

Method 500 may continue at step 504, which includes adjusting a positionof a back side of the server rack into one of a plurality of uniquepositions along the rear restraint assembly and between lateral memberscoupled to the rear restraint assembly. For example, as the server rackis moved into position adjacent the rear restraint assembly, the backside of the rack may be positioned between the lateral members andagainst (but, in some aspects, not touching) the rear restraintassembly.

Method 500 may continue at step 506, which includes positioning a rearportion of the server rack vertically underneath an angled bracket ofthe rear restraint assembly. For example, as the rear portion of theserver rack is positioned adjacent the rear restraint assembly, aportion of the server rack (e.g., a back stop attached to or part of theserver rack) is positioned (e.g., angularly) underneath the angledbracket of the rear restraint assembly.

Method 500 may continue at step 508, which includes installing a frontrestraint assembly to the support surface adjacent a front side of therack. In some aspects, installing the front restraint assembly includesattaching the anchor channel to the support surface; for example, theanchor channel may be at least partially embedded in a hardened floor(e.g., concrete slab) during curing of the floor. In alternativeaspects, the front restrain assembly can be attached (e.g., withanchors) to a top surface of the support surface. The server rack maythen be positioned in place (e.g., according to steps 502-506) so thatthe front side of the rack may be just adjacent the anchor channel. Afront bracket may then be secured to the anchor channel.

Method 500 may continue at step 510, which includes positioning thefront restraint assembly vertically above a front portion of the serverrack. For example, shim plates or another portion of the front restraintassembly may be installed to the front bracket over a portion of therack (e.g., a front edge). The shim plates (or other portion) may thenbe adjusted to be flush against the portion of the rack (e.g., touchingthe rack or near, but not touching the rack).

Method 500 may continue at step 512, which includes receiving a force onthe server rack. The force may be a human-generated or machine-generatedforce that is unexpected or undesirable (e.g., accidental contact of theserver rack with a machine such as a forklift). The force may also be anatural force, such as a force (or forces) generated by a seismic event(e.g., an earthquake).

Method 500 may continue at step 514, which includes restraining theserver rack against vertical movement caused by the force with theangled bracket and the front restraint assembly. For example, as theforce is applied to the server rack, vertical movement of the rack maybe generated (e.g., through a support surface to the server rack). Thefront restraint assembly or rear restraint assembly, or both, mayrestrain (e.g., reduce or eliminate) the vertical movement of the serverrack. For example, the shim plates of the front restraint assembly thatare flush (e.g., in contact or not) with the server rack may restrainvertical movement. Also, or alternatively, the angled interferencebetween the angled bracket and the back stop may restrain verticalmovement of the server rack.

Method 500 may continue at step 516, which includes restraining theserver rack against lateral movement caused by the force with thelateral members. For example, the lateral members may include portionsthat, when the server rack is positioned adjacent the rear restraintassembly, extend adjacent outer sides of the server rack. As the forceurges the server rack to move side-to-side (e.g., laterally), thelateral members may restraint (e.g., reduce or eliminate) such movement.

Method 500 may continue at step 518, which includes restraining theserver rack against rotational movement caused by the force with theangled bracket and the front restraint assembly. For example, as theforce is applied to the server rack, rotational movement of the rack maybe generated, tending to tip the server rack in one or more rotationaldirections (e.g., toward a front, toward a back, toward a side, orotherwise). The front restraint assembly or rear restraint assembly, orboth, may restrain (e.g., reduce or eliminate) the rotational movementof the server rack. For example, the shim plates of the front restraintassembly that are flush (e.g., in contact or not) with the server rackmay restrain rotational movement. Also, or alternatively, the angledinterference between the angled bracket and the back stop may restrainrotational movement of the server rack.

A number of embodiments have been described. Nevertheless, it will beunderstood that various modifications may be made without departing fromthe spirit and scope of what is described. Accordingly, otherembodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of installing a server rack in a datacenter, comprising: moving a server rack adjacent a rear restraintassembly that is attached to a support surface of a data center thatsupports the server rack, the rear restraint assembly comprising atleast two lateral members coupled with the rear restraint assembly at adistance apart to receive a width of the server rack; adjusting aposition of a back side of the server rack into one of a plurality ofunique positions along the rear restraint assembly so that the serverrack is positioned between the at least two lateral members coupled tothe rear restraint assembly that extend beyond the rear restraintassembly on sides of the server rack; engaging either a mating bracketattached to the server rack or a side portion of the server rack with arespective protrusion that extends from each of the lateral members;positioning a rear portion of the server rack vertically underneath anangled bracket of the rear restraint assembly; and positioning a frontrestraint assembly, coupled to the support surface, vertically above afront portion of the server rack.
 2. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: receiving a force on the server rack; restraining the serverrack against vertical movement caused by the force with the angledbracket and the front restraint assembly; and restraining the serverrack against lateral movement caused by the force with the lateralmembers.
 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising restraining theserver rack against rotational movement caused by the force with theangled bracket and the front restraint assembly.
 4. The method of claim1, further comprising installing the front restraint assembly to thesupport surface adjacent a front side of the server rack.
 5. The methodof claim 4, wherein installing the front restraint assembly to thesupport surface comprises: attaching an anchor channel of the frontrestraint assembly to the support surface; positioning a front side ofthe server rack laterally adjacent the anchor channel; coupling a frontbracket of the front restraint assembly to the anchor channel; attachingat least one shim plate to the front bracket; and adjusting the shimplate flush against the front portion of the server rack.
 6. The methodof claim 5, wherein attaching an anchor channel of the front restraintassembly to the support surface comprises embedding the anchor channelin the support surface.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprisingattaching each of the lateral members to a rear bracket of the rearrestraint assembly independently of other lateral members.
 8. The methodof claim 1, wherein each of the rear restraint assembly and frontrestraint assembly is detached from the server rack when positioned. 9.The method of claim 1, wherein moving a server rack adjacent a rearrestraint assembly comprises moving the server rack into a specifiedposition adjacent the rear restraint assembly without visual inspectionof the specified position.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein thespecified position comprises a space defined between the lateralmembers.
 11. The method of claim 6, further comprising attaching each ofthe lateral members to a rear bracket of the rear restraint assemblyindependently of other lateral members.
 12. The method of claim 11,wherein each of the rear restraint assembly and front restraint assemblyis detached from the server rack when positioned.
 13. The method ofclaim 12, wherein moving a server rack adjacent a rear restraintassembly comprises moving the server rack into a specified positionadjacent the rear restraint assembly without visual inspection of thespecified position.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising:receiving a force on the server rack; restraining the server rackagainst vertical movement caused by the force with the angled bracketand the front restraint assembly; and restraining the server rackagainst lateral movement caused by the force with the lateral members.15. The method of claim 14, further comprising restraining the serverrack against rotational movement caused by the force with the angledbracket and the front restraint assembly.
 16. The method of claim 6,wherein each of the rear restraint assembly and front restraint assemblyis detached from the server rack when positioned.
 17. The method ofclaim 16, further comprising attaching each of the lateral members to arear bracket of the rear restraint assembly independently of otherlateral members.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein moving a serverrack adjacent a rear restraint assembly comprises moving the server rackinto a specified position adjacent the rear restraint assembly withoutvisual inspection of the specified position.
 19. The method of claim 18,further comprising: receiving a force on the server rack; restrainingthe server rack against vertical movement caused by the force with theangled bracket and the front restraint assembly; and restraining theserver rack against lateral movement caused by the force with thelateral members.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprisingrestraining the server rack against rotational movement caused by theforce with the angled bracket and the front restraint assembly.
 21. Themethod of claim 2, wherein the force comprises a seismic force.